End panel support system

ABSTRACT

A furniture construction system wherein standardized 5 inch modular components are supported between special end panels. Cover members positioned over the end panels are provided with special releasable fastening means whereby the covers may be readily removed to provide access to the fastening mechanisms utilized to fix the panels and supported components, as desks, tables, and the like, together.

United States Patent 1 1 Mohr et a1. 1 1 June 17, 1975 1 1 END PANELSUPPORT SYSTEM 3346.311 10/1967 Beans 312/195 3. (H.186 31970 W'l t'l312 204 [751 Inventors: Robert G. Mohr. Grand Rapids; 5 L d Ronald R.Hodges. Grandville'. Jack Hockenberry; Douglas Scheerhorn. I both ofGrand Rapids; Gale F. g i i fi t Id H ilcox Wayland of I OHM). gen 0flH7lllCe. CBC e UlZLngd & Cooper [73] Assignee: Steelcase lne., GrandRapids. Mich. [221 Filed: Oct. 11, 1974 Appl. No: 514,137

Related U.S. Application Data Division of Ser No. 366218, June 1, 1973.

U.S. Cl 312/198; 312/263 Int. Cl A47b 47/04 Field of Search 108/91;312/195, 198, 204.

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3.186.782 6/1965 Ullman, Jr.312/263 [57] ABSTRACT A furniture construction system whereinstandardized 5 inch modular components are supported between special endpanels. Cover members positioned over the end panels are provided withspecial releasable fastening means whereby the covers may be readilyremoved to provide access to the fastening mechanisms utilized to fixthe panels and supported components, as desks. tables, and the like,together.

l0 Claims, 22 Drawing Figures PATENTEDJUN17 I975 a on 2. on NHPATENTEDJUN 17 ms SHEET FIG. 9

FIG. 20

SHEET PATENTEI] JUN 17 I975 'IGIZ END PANEL SUPPORT SYSTEM CROSSREFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION This is a division of application Ser.No. 366,2l8. filed June 1, I973.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to furnitureconstruction, particularly to office furniture as desks, tables,bookshelves, Credenzas and the like. It is particularly concerned withcomplete systems of such furniture, de signed to divide substantialareas of work space and provide individual work stations.

Extensive steps have been taken to modularize such systems and a largenumber of such modular systems are now available on the market. Thesesystems include wall panels which may be erected at any point in a largearea and which include means for hanging various components such asshelves, filing cabinets, writing surfaces or the like from the wallpanels. Desks and side units for use in conjunction with such wallpanels are furnished separately and are not typically mounted to thewall panels. Thus, these systems are modular only with respect to unitswhich are to be hung on the wall panels. Typically, such systems aresomewhat expensive in that the wall panels utilized are an additionalexpense over and above the cost of the units to be hung thereon.Further, such systems suffer the drawback that not every user wants theclosed in effect which is achieved by using such wall panels.

Yet another drawback to such systems is that none of them aredimensionally modular. While the desks for the system may bedimensionally modular, for example inches by 60 inches, or 30 inches by72 inches, the side units may have widths of 20 inches. The drawback tosuch irregular dimensioning is that it becomes difficult to plan thearrangement of the furniture in advance. One must carefully scale thedimensions of each component.

Some systems do approach dimensional modularity based on a 6 inchmodule. In such a system, each of the length and width dimensions of thecomponents are multiples of 6 inches. The reason for this reliance onthe 6 inch module is that for years, buildings have been constructedbased upon the l2 inch unit. Office furniture manufacturers havefollowed suit and have based their desks, constructions and the like on6 inch units. This has been traditional for years and years. Onedrawback is that it is difficult to provide an overall system based onthis 6 inch unit. A filing cabinet, for example, must be thoroughlyshallow so that it doesn't take up any more floor space than necessary,but must be sufficiently deep that it does not readily tip overforwardly or rearwardly. To be made on a 6 inch module unit, such astorage cabinet must be either [8 inches or 24 inches. Unfortunately, 18inches is to shallow and 24 inches is too deep. Thus, the high storageunit is typically a unit in a system in which a departure is made fromthe basic 6 inch module. Thus, no one heretofore has been able to offera complete office furniture system based on a single basic dimensionalunit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides an officefurniture system wherein one or a number of standardized fumiturecomponents as desk tops, table tops, cabinets, bookshelves or the likeare supported between a pair of parallel end panels. The need topurchase separate wall panels to achieve a modular system is eliminated.Since cabinets, desks and the like require end panels anyway. thepresent furniture system achieves modularity with out requiring a userto purchase a special extra". i.e. the wall panel. Further, desks,Credenzas. tables and other floor supported units are tied into thesystem automatically, since all are supported on end panels. Finally,one can achieve an open look, if desired. by mounting cabinets above awork surface and providing no back between the work surface and thecabinet.

A supported member, such as a desk top or the like is arranged between apair of structurally supporting panel members. Means are provided tosecure the panels and supported member together in a variety ofdesirable configurations. Special cover members having locking meanstherein are also provided and adapted to be releasably secured to thepanels to thereby cover the wiring and the mounting mechanisms containedin the end panels. The covers are readily removable. however, so thatthe fastening means is accessible so that the furniture construction maybe conveniently changed to satisfy changing office requirements.

Further modularity is achieved by providing means on a supported top forsuspending various pedestals and like units below the top. This allowsone to use the same end panels to make a table, a one pedestal desk. atwo pedestal desk or a credenza unit.

Standardized component construction allows maximum flexibility tosatisfy the requirements of the various consumers. The unique panelsupporting structure allows ease of assembly and modification of thestructure when required. The panels additionally provide a convenientarrangement for containing the wires associated with office machines andthe like associated with modern-day offices.

It is yet another important aspect of the invention to provide a novellocking mechanism for the covers and end panels, which locking mechanismis readily accessible through a special access closure positioned on theupper surface of the end panels. No special tools are required torelease the locking mechanism and remove the end panels andadditionally, the closure member may be also utilized to provide a wireaccess opening at the top of the furniture structure.

The panels are constructed in a manner to provide rigidity andsimultaneously to provide channel means through which wiring fortelephones, dictating equipment, office machines, and the like may bepositioned and hidden from view. The end support panels are of atwo-piece construction having one portion thereof which is a generallyflat planar section while the other is formed with a dished-out centralportion to give the panel rigidity. The peripheral portions of the panelhaving the dished-out central portion are planar and are secured to thefirst-mentioned panel sections to thereby provide convenient wiringchannels around the dished-out portions.

in yet another aspect of the invention, the end panels, tops and variouscabinets are constructed so as to have length and width dimensions basedon multiples of 5 inches. Cabinets, including the thickness of endpanels, are available in 30 inch, 35 inch and 45 inch dimensions, forexample. The first houses two letter files side by side, the second twolegal files side by side and the third three letter files side bysideall with a minimum of wasted space. Significantly, the 45 inchcabinet mill-cs an excellent side ereden/a since it spaces ones desk 45inches from a wall or rear storage unit. A 45 inch spacing is the idealspacing required for a desk chair. Less leaves one somewhat crowded andmore results in wasted space.

Similarly. this 5 inch module concept results in work surfaces which areeither inches. inches. inches or inches wide. from front to back. Thismeans that the smallest filing cabinets are at least 20 inches deep.This provides ample surface on which to place typewriters or the likeand give sound fore and aft stability to taller filing units. Unitshaving an l8 inch width would be too narrow for proper stability whileunits having a 24 inch width would result in wasted space.

Consequently. a wide range of combinations is achieved merely byproviding several different panels having fore to aft widths of 20. 25.SH) and 35 inches. Work surfaces and cabinets have similar fore to aftdimensions and have lengths which. when combined with a pair of endpanels, result in units having lengths of 30. 35. 40. 45. 50. 55. 60.65, 70 and 75 inches. Because of this modularinterrelationship. aplanner can plan his entire work space using a five-inch scale grid. Thechance of error is minimized since all dimensions and combinations ofdimensions will either end in O or 5.

Thus. the present invention provides a furniture system in which one ora number of standardized furniture components as desks. tables,bookcases, Credenzas and the like are supported by special end panelmembers. The sturcture can be utilized singly. in abutting relationship,stacked back to back, and in virtually limitless numbers of arrangementswhich can be constructed utilizing the basic modular construction.

These and the many other important advantages of the invention will befurther understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art byreference to the following written specification, claims and appendeddrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. 1-5 are perspective viewsillustrating represen tative furniture constructions provided inaccordance with the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the end panel support member with thecover panel removed;

FIG. 7 is a crosssectional view of the end panel support member takenalong the plane VIIVII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the inside of the cover panel removedfrom the end panels;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along the plane IXIX ofFIG. 8 illustrating the fastening mechanisms for the cover member;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged partial perspective view illustrating theconstruction of the lock slide mechanism of FIGS. 8-9 in greater detail;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary exploded view showing the upper access openingin the trim strip surrounding the end panel support member;

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary plan view illustrating the structure of theleveling mechanisms shown in FIG. 7 and the lower wiring access openingin the trim strip surrounding the end panel support member;

FIG. I3 is a partial perspective view of an alternate structural panelconstruction;

FIG. 14 is a schematic plan illustrating an arrangement of furnitureutilizing a combination storage unit.

positional with a desk or either side. has two storage modules openingon opposite sides of the unit;

FIG. ISu is a fragmentary cross section illustrating the assembledrelationship of the cover member on the end panel;

FIG. 15b is the same view as FIG. 15a, except that the cover member isupholstered;

FIG. I6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plane XVIXVI of FIG. 4illustrating the pedestal mounting in a level top desk construction;

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 16 taken along theplane XVII-X\/II of FIG. 5 illustrating the pedestal mounting on a deskwith a tilted top;

FIG. 18 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the mounting structure formaintaining the pedestal in a level position;

FIG. I9 is a perspective view of that fragmentary por tion of an endpanel indicated by reference in FIG. 6;

FIG. 20 is an elevational view of that fragmentary portion of an endpanel indicated by reference in FIG. 6; and

FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of a furniture arrangement inaccordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to FIGS. 1-5, arepresentative sampling of various unit assemblies constructed inaccordance with this invention is illustrated. FIGS. 1 and 3, forexample, illustrate Credenza unit assemblies incorporationg a centercase portion with drawer sections positioned on either side thereof. Awork table unit is shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 illustrates a desk unitassembly having a flat top portion supported by end panels and a pair ofdrawer sections on either side thereof. FIG. 5 illustrates a desksimilar in construction to FIG. 4 wherein the top surface thereof istilted at an angle. Each of these constructions utilizes the same basiccomponents including a supported member as the top surface generallydesignated by the numeral 10 in each of FIGS. 1-5; a pair of end panelmembers 12 adapted to support a supported member; drawer units 14 asshown in FIGS. 1, 3, 4 and 5; credenza center cases 16 shown in FIGS. 1and 3; and back panels or stretchers 18 as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 4 andS. A virtually limitless number of arrangements can be constructed froma basic set of components as will become readily understood by thoseskilled in the art as a detailed description progresses.

The end panel members I2 are in normal use provided with a cover member20 (see also FIG. 8) which may be readily removed providing access tothe interior of the end panels where the means for securing the endpanels and the supporting members together are located.

Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, end panel 12 is shown with cover 20 removed.End panel I2 is of a doublewalled construction and includes a base 22, asheet metal inner wall 24, and an outer wall 26. The base is anelongated metal channel-like member in which levelers 28 are adjustablymounted as will be more fully described hereinafter. Inner wall 24 has aflat planar back surface 30 bounded at its top and side edges by aperipheral flange 32. Outer wall 26 has an outwardly formed centralportion 34, a flat planar surface 36, and an outer flange 35 boundingthe central portion adjacent the top and side edges. Outer flange 35 isbent upwardly at the top of end panel 12 and laterally at the sides ofend panel 12 to define abutment flanges 72 against which cover panel 20abuts. The flat surface 36 is welded to inner wall 24 and the lower edgeof projecting central portion 34 is welded to base 22 to provide astrong. rigid. double wall end panel structure.

The recessed area formed by flat planar surface 36. outer wall flange 35and the raised central portion 34 forms a wiring channel 38 about thefront. top and back edges of the interior of the end panel. Wiring (W.FIG. 6) utilized for telephone hookups. dictating equipment. and similaroffice machines is conveniently placed in channel 38 and may be broughtout to the top of the work surface.

A decorative trim strip 40 extends about the front. top and backperipheral surfaces of the end panels to provide an attractiveappearance (FIG. 6). Access means 42 is provided on the top surface ofthe trim strip 40 to allow passage of the wiring from channels 36 to theupper surface of the work surface 10. Trim strip 40 and flange 32 areprovided with an access opening 44 (FIG. II). A plug or cap member 46constructed to blend with trim 40 is provided to close the accessopening. Plug 46 is fixed in position in opening 44 by means of anopening 48 in its lower surface which is releasably engageable with anupstanding pin member 50 fixed in channel 38. Pin member 50 is centrallysupported in opening 44 and channel 38 by means of tab 51 secured to andextending outwardly from flat planar surface 36. Alternative plugs 46are provided. Slots or openings at the top surface of one plug 46 areprovided to allow passage of wires or the like to the top of the worksurface from the channel 38. For situations where wiring access is notnecessary. another plug is provided which has a planar flat top surfaceblending perfectly with the trim strip to provide a flat flush andcontinuous appearance. An alternative cover for access opening 44 isdisclosed in copending patent application Ser. No. P445, entitled ACCESSCOVER, filed on even date herewith by Dirk Van Kuik and Gale Wilcox,assigned to the assignee of this application and specificallyincorporated herein by reference.

The supported member or work surface is secured to the end panels bymeans of screws 52 passing through openings provided in outer wall 26and inner wall 24 into a bracket 54 or other suitable threaded fastenerlocated on the ends of the supported member. Top 10 can be tiltablymounted in the manner set forth in copending application Ser. No.366,16I, the specification of which is incorporated herein by reference,entitled TILTABLE DESK TOP, filed on even date herewith by Donald DeanKorell and assigned to the assignee of this invention.

The pedestals or drawer units 14 are suspended at the rear from the top10 of desk 1 by the interengagement of a hanger 120 and a rail assembly130 (FIGS. 16, 17 and 18). At its front. pedestal I4 is suspended by apair of bolts 141, each passing through a resiliently compressiblespacer 140 and into a beam 142 of top 10. The interconnection betweenthe end panels 12 of desk I and top 10 can be adjusted so that top 10can be oriented either in a horizontal position (FIG. 16) or in a tiltedposition (FIG. 17). Rail assembly 130 includes a top rail 13] and abottom rail 132, and hanger I engages top rail 13] when top 10 ishorizontal and bottom rail [32 when top 10 is tilted. In this manner.pedestal I4 is generally horizontal regardless of the orientation of topIt). This suspension is more fully described in co- 6 pendingapplication Ser. No. 366,55. entitled SUS- PENDED PEDESTAL DESK, thespecification of which is incorporated herein by reference. filed oneven date herewith by Donald Dean Korell and assigned to the assignee ofthis invention.

The leveling means 28 located at the bottom of the end panels in base 22are provided to make leveling adjustments of the assembled unit ifrequired. As shown in FIGS. 7 and I2. levelers 28 include a glide member54 extendible and retractable from the base 22. A stud 56 is fixed tothe glide member and extends upwardly therefrom into the panel betweenside walls of base 22. A nut is threaded on the stud and is captivelyheld in the base by its abutment with a slot formed therein so that asthe nut is turned, the stud and glide member will move with respectthereto to thereby extend or retract glide member 54.

Referring again to FIG. 6, a plurality of slots 60 are formed in theupper edge of the outwardly formed central portion 30 of outer wall 24.At the lower portion of the outer wall. a plurality of slots 64 are alsoprovided to engage the lower portion of cover 20.

The cover assembly and the locking mechanisms therefor are illustratedin FIGS. 8-10 and illustrated in assembled relationship with the endpanels in FIG. 15. Cover 20 is formed of sheet metal having height andwidth dimensions corresponding to the opening in end panels 12. Cover 20is formed with a pair of extending side flanges 66 adapted to fit insidethe peripheral flanges 32 forming wire channels 38 at the front and backsurfaces of the end panels. The upper and lower edges of the cover arerolled over as illustrated at 68 and 70 providing a double wallthickness at the top and bottom respectively of the cover. As will bemore fully described. the double wall thickness is provided for abuttingrelationship with corresponding steps 72 and 74 (FIGS. 7 and 15)provided in the end panel structure.

A retainer rail 76 welded to the interior of the cover at the lowerportion thereof includes a plurality of retainer tabs 78 extendingoutwardly from the inside of the cover near the lower edge portion 70.Retainer tabs 78 are spaced along the length of the retainer rails andare provided for engagement with slots 64 (FIGS. 6 and 15) in the endpanels.

Means for releasably securing the cover to the end panels indicatedgenerally by the numeral 80 is located near the upper edge of the cover.The releasable secur ing means includes a plurality of lock tabs 82adapted for locking engagement with tab-receiving slots 60 formed in thecentral portion of the end panel. As shown in FIG. 10, tabs 82 areformed with a back wall 84 which is secured as by welding to a slidablymounted lock slide member 86. The back wall extends upwardly andoutwardly forming an upwardly directed front flange 88 in which a pairof bias spring retainer openings 90 are provided. Each lock tab 82extends downwardly from the back wall 84 and outwardly perpendicular tothe back wall to form the mechanism for engagement with slots 60 in theend panels. Engaging mechanism of lock tab 82 is generally barbed ortriangular in shape having a leading edge portion 92, outwardly taperedside walls 94 terminating in shoulders 96 and 98 adjacent itsintersection with back wall 84. It will be noted that shoulder 98extends outwardly from the back wall in greater distance, about Ill 6 ofan inch, than shoulder 96 for reasons as will be more fully describedhereinafterv A pair of lock release actuators I are also secured to lockslide 86 between lock tabs 82 and each include an outwardly formedupwardly extending upper por tion 101 which when assembled in the cover.one or the other of the tab members will he accessible through accessopening 42 in the upper portion of the end panels. As shown in FIG. 9,lock slide 86 including lock tabs 82 and lock release actuators 100 aremounted for sliding movement in a lock slide retainer I02. The slideretainer is a generally flat elongated strip having a channel formed inits central portion along its length which receives lock slide 86.Retainer I02 is secured to the inner facing surface of cover 20 as bywelding. Openings I04 (FIG. 8) are provided along the length of retainer102 through which lock tabs 82 extend when assembled. Similar openingsI06 are also provided for lock release actuators 100. Notches I08 areprovided in the raised center section ofthe slide retainer at each endthereof and a bias spring 110 is connected at one end in notch I08 andits opposite end is connected through the opening 90 in flange 88 onlock tab 82.

It will be noted that openings 104 in slide retainer I02 are wider thanthe width of the back wall 84 of lock tab 82. Openings 106 are similarlyslightly wider than the width of lock release actuator 100. This allowslimited movement of the lock slide 86 and tabs across the width of thecover. Bias spring 110 constantly urges the lock mechanism into itslocked position by shifting lock slide 86 to the right as shown in FIG.8.

The cover panels 20 may be finished by painting, plating, covering withupholstery material I20 or any variety of methods. The upholstery isplaced over the outer surface of the cover panel 20 and is folded overthe ends 68 and 70 (FIG. 15b). The releasable securing means is adaptedto compensate for different thicknesses of upholstery material or thelack thereof by means of two shoulders 96 and 98 (FIG. 10) provided inthe lock tab so that both painted and upholstered surfaces are flushwith the edge of trim 40. As mentioned previously, shoulder 98 ispositioned a greater distance away from the back wall than shoulder 96.Accordingly, when the cover 20 is upholstered, shoulder 96 is utilizedto position cover panel 20 closer to wall 26 of end panel 12 so thatouter surface of upholstery is flush with the edge of trim 40 (compareFIGS. 15a and b). When the cover panel is painted or used with a thinfabric, it is desirable to utilize shoulders 98 to serve the lockingfunction so as to allow cover panel 20 to be spaced farther from wall 26and thereby allow its painted surface to still be flush with the edge oftrim 40. In order to insure a snug, rattle free fit when cover panel 20is not upholstered, a plastic extrusion 130 is employed around the topand side peripheries of end panel 12 (FIG. 15a). Extrusion 130 includesa top barbed leg I31 having a barb 132 on the end thereof. Barbed leg13] fits inbetween the top edge of flange 72 and peripheral flange 32 ofwall 24, and barb 132 holds it there. Leg 133 extends verticallydownwardly or inwardly from barbed leg 133 and divides into twodiverging spreader legs 134 and 135. These diverging legs hold the edgesof cover panel 20 away from the surface of abutment flange 72 to therebyinsure a rattle free fit. Of course, when upholstery 120 is used,extrusion I is not (See FIG. 15b).

A further snug fit of cm er panel 20 to end panel 12 is facilitated bymanipulating various adjustment slots and tabs (FIGS. 6. [5a and 15b,I9, and 20). Referring to FIG. 20. it will be noted that in addition toslot 64 S at the bottom of end panel 12, there is another smaller slot641: positioned immediately thcrebelow. This leaves a small bridge ormetal 64h between the two slots. When cover panel 20 is upholstered withupholstery I20, this bridge of metal 641'; is bent inwardly by insertinga screwdriver in slot 641: and twisting it. As a result. cover panel 20is held in closer not only at the top by bridge 96 on tab 82, but alsoat the bottom by tab 78 (compare FIGS. 15a and 15b). Referring particularly to FIG. 151), it can be seen that the bridge of metal 64h hasbeen bent inwardly in order to hold tab 78 further inwardly.

Vertical adjustment can also be achieved in a similar manner. Thus, byslipping a screwdriver in slot 64a, holding it horizontally and twistingit, one can force bridge 64b upwardly slightly, either in addition to orrather than inwardly as heretofore described. By doing this at each ofthe slots 64a, cover panel 20 is moved upwardly higher than wouldotherwise be the case. To effect downward adjustment, one can slip thescrew driver into slot 64 and force bridge 64b downwardly slightly.

Side-to-side adjustment is achieved by means of a small tab flange I40Cut into peripheral flange of wall 26 at each side of end panel I2 (FIG.I9). These tabs I bear against the side flanges 66 of cover panel 20shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. By bending the tabs 140 inwardly or outwardly.one can shift cover panel 20 from side to side in either direction. Inthis way, proper lateral adjustment of cover panel 20 is achieved.

Finally, it should be noted that to some extent, in and out adjustmentcan be achieved at the top of cover panel 20 by prying the edges ofslots 60 inwardly or outwardly slightly (FIG. 6). Slots 60 are the slotsinto which the tabs 82 on slide lock 80 fit.

As shown in FIG. 8, shoulders 98 are adapted for engaging slot 60because of the presence of bias spring IIO urging the lock slide tabs tothe right. To convert for engagement of shoulder 96, bias spring 110 issimply removed from the position as shown in FIG. 8 and placed in theopposite end of the slide retainer in notch I08 and in opening 95provided in the lock tab at the extreme left of the lock mechanism. Whenthus positioned, the lock slide and the components mounted thereon willbe biased in the opposite direction causing engagement of shoulder 96with tab-receiving slot 60. Once assembled, the cover may be released bysimply removing plug 46 (FIG. 11) and reaching through access means 42to shift the lock slide by moving lock release actuator I00 against thebias of spring I10. This, of course, causes shifting of the lock tab outof engagement with the slot 60 in the panel to thereby ease in removalof the cover.

The alternate embodiment end panel 12' shown in FIG. I3 is similar tothat previously described and is constructed in basically the samemanner. Like reference numerals bearing the prime designation aretherefore utilized to identify similar components. The lower section isidentical to that previously described including base 22'. levelers 28',the double wall construction providing wiring channel 38', and the worksurface 10' which is secured by fastening means 52. The upper section issimilarly constructed and supports 9 a storage unit It)" in a similarfashion by fastening means 52''. The wiring channels extend upwardly andacross the top as the embodiment shown in FIG. 6. Ac cess means 42' isprovided at the top thereof in trim strip 40'.

In FIG. I4, the diagram of a shared work station is illustrated whereinend panels I2 of the type shown in FIGS. 6 and I3 are combined toprovide the shared storage unit. End panels I2 support a pair of storageunits 16 and I6 thcrebetween. Instead of being suspended from a worksurface 10, as for example as shown in FIG. 13, each of the storageunits [6 and I6 is adapted for mounting through its end walls to theadjacent unit and to end panel 12' through fastening screws 52". A deskI. of the type shown in FIG. 5, for example. is positioned on each sideof storage units 16, one generally adjacent one unit and one generallyadjacent the other. In order that each desk I has adjacent storage,storage unit 16 opens to the left to provide access to the desk on theleft (as viewed in FIG. 14) and unit 16' opens to the right to provideaccess to the desk on the right.

It will be realized that virtually any number of furniture constructionscan be assembled utilizing the novel support panels of the presentinvention. In a preferred embodiment, the various component parts arebased on modular dimensions of five inch modules. It has been found thatthe inch modular dimension provides a most efficient storage of standardinformation documents and permits the most efficient arrangement of workstations within good human factors dimensions such as chair spacerequired, desk surface area required and etc. while maintaining modulardimensions which facilitate ease of planning and avoid the necessity ofusing fractional numbers. It additionally providcs better stability forhigh storage units by using. for example, a 20 inch depth verses thestandard 18 inch depth utilized in conventional office furnitureconstructions. In addition, a deeper usable reference work area isprovided on which office calculators. computer terminals, typewriters,and the like can be placed without inconvenient overhang. Finally. the 5inch modular dimension is a rational unit for assisting space planners.As long as feet and inches are used, any module will have to be reducedto inches for calculation. The 5 inch module reduces the chance of errorbecause all dimensions will end in (J or 5 which numbers are easy towork with and are convertible to feet and inches as a final calculation.

Thus, the end panels for the present system are provided with depth (thedistance from one side edge of the end panel to the other side edge)which are whole number multiples of 5 inches. Specifically. end panels12 are provided with depths of 20. 25, and inches. On the other hand,storage units, such as units 14, and tops, such as tops 10, are providedwith lengths which, when combined with the thicknesses of two end panels12. yield a total length which is a whole number multiple of 5 inches.Specifically, lengths of 30, 35, 40, 45, 50. 55, 60, 65. 70 and 75inches are provided for. This means that where the desk length is to be70 inches, for example, and where the thickness of each end panel isapproximately one inch. the length of the top It) must be 68 inches. The68 inch top plus the two l-inch end panels yields a total length of 70inches.

The five inch modularity concept has been extended to space dividerpanels which are used in conjunction with the system. These spacedi\ider panels are designed to have an appearance identical to orcompatible with the appearance of panels 12. but they are con structedwith a means for connecting them to end panels I2 and to each other, andthey need not include any means for mounting desk tops or the like.

FIG. 2I discloses a furniture arrangement in which one such spacedivider 212 and two smaller space dividers 212(0) are employed. Spacedivider panel 2|2 is 45 inches in depth, i.e. from one side edge to theother side edge. Space divider 212 joins a desk unit I0 to a storageunit having two storage compartments 14 mounted between a pair of endpanels 12. The 45 inch dimension provides for comfortable space in whichthe occupant of this area can move his chair 220. Also, it providesdesired privacy.

The smaller partitions 2I2(u) are only 20 inches in depth. Here, a 45inch storage unit I4 is used as the primary spacer between the desk It)and the storage units l4. The small divider partitions 212(u) providesomewhat more space for the occupant of this work area and also providea nice decorative effect. By providing space divider partitions havingdepths which are whole number multiples of 5 inches. specifically whichare 20. 25, 30. 35, 40 and 45 inches, one continues the 5-inchmodularity concept conveniently from the dimensions of the furniture tothe dimensions utilized in space division.

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that many modifications may be made to the inventionwithout departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modificationsare to be considered as included in the following claims unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclu sive property orprivilege is claimed are defined as follows:

I. A system for supporting one or a number of standardized furniturecomponents as desks, tops, cabinets or the like comprising: a supportedmember; end panel members adapted to support said supported member;first securing means in said end panels and said supported members forreleasably securing same together; cover members for said end panels;second securing means in said cover members and said end panels forreleasably securing said cover to said panel; said panel havingperipheral edge; an access opening through said panel peripheral edge",a removable access closure in said peripheral edge for covering saidaccess opening; and actuator means on said second securing means forreleasing said cover member from said end panel, said actuator meansbeing accessible through said access opening when said access closure isremoved from said peripheral edge whereby said cover member may readilybe removed for access to said first securing means.

2. The system as defined in claim 1 and further in cluding channelsformed in said panel members, said channels being adapted to receivewiring therein between said cover and said panel; and wire access meansformed in said decorative trim.

3. The system of claim 2 in which said wire access means comprises saidaccess opening.

4. The system as defined in claim I and further including leveling meanson said panels, said leveling means extending from the bottom surfacethereof adjacent said front and back surfaces.

5. The system as defined in claim 4 wherein said leveling means includeglide members estendible and retractable from said panel at said bottomsurface; a stud member fixed to said glide member estending into saidpanel; and a nut threaded on said stud. said nut being captively held insaid panel and rotatable therein to thereby extend and retract said studand said glide.

6. A system as defined in claim I wherein said second releasablesecuring means comprises a lock member slideably mounted on said coverand lock-engaging means on said panel adapted to engage with said lockmember; said lock member comprising a bar slideably mounted in saidcover. a plurality of tab members having engaging means thereonextending outwardly from said bar, and said lock engaging meanscomprising a plurality of tab-receiving slots formed in said paneladapted to loekingly engage with said engaging means on said tabmembers; said engaging means on each said tab member comprises a barb onsaid tab defining first and second shoulders on either side thereof.respectively, said first shoulder being positioned farther from said barthan said second shoulder; means on said tab for securing said biasmeans thereto; means on said cover for securing said bias means to saidcover on either side of said tab whereby said tab will be locked in saidslot either by said first shoulder or said second shoulder and said barcan be used with either a panel having no upholstery wrapped around itsedges or a panel having upholstery simply by connecting said bias meansto said cover on an appropriate side of said tab.

7. The system as defined in claim 1 comprising: decorative trimpositioned about at least the top and side edge portions of said panelperipheral edge; said access closure comprising a portion of saiddecorative trim.

8. A system for supporting one or a number of stan dardized furniturecomponents as desks, tops. cabinets or the like comprising: a supportedmember; end panel members adapted to support said supported member;first securing means in said end panels and said supported member forreleasably securing same together; cover members for said end panels;second securing means in said cover members and said end panels forrelcasably securing said co\ er to said panel; and said end panelincluding an inner wall and an outer wall sec tion, said inner wallhaving a generally flat. planar surface. said outer wall having fiatplanar peripheral edge portions and an outwardly formed central portion.said outer peripheral portions being secured to said inner wall and saidcentral portions extending outwardly from said inner wall to therebyprovide a rigid panel structure 9. The system as defined in claim 8 andfurther including an outer peripheral edge extending outwardly from saidinner wall section parallel to said central portion of said outer wallsection. said central portion. said outer peripheral edge and said fiatplanar peripheral portions of said outer wall forming a wire-receivingchannel in said end panel.

[0. The system as defined in claim 9 wherein said second securing meanscomprises a lock member slideably mounted in said cover andlock-engaging means on said outer wall adapted to engage with said lockmember; said lock member comprises a bar slideably mounted in saidcover, a plurality of tab members having engaging means formed thereonextending outwardly from said bar, and wherein said lock-engaging meansincludes a plurality of tab receiving slots formed in said outwardlyextending central portion of said outer wall; biasing means for saidlock member said biasing means urging said tab members toward lockedposition with respect to said tab-receiving slots in said panel; saidengaging means on each said tab member comprises a barb on said tabdefining first and second shoulders on either side thereof respectively.said first shoulder being positioned farther from said barb than saidsecond shoulder; means on said tab for securing said bias means thereto;means on said cover for securing said bias means to said cover on eitherside of said tab whereby said tab will be locked in said slot either bysaid first shoulder or said second shoulder and said barb can be usedwith either a panel having no fabric wrapped around its edges or a panelhaving fabric simply by connecting said bias means to said cover on anappropriate side of said tab.

1. A system for supporting one or a number of standardized furniturecomponents as desks, tops, cabinets or the like comprising: a supportedmember; end panel members adapted to support said supported member;first securing means in said end panels and said supported members forreleasably securing same together; cover members for said end panels;second securing means in said cover members and said end panels forreleasably securing said cover to said panel; said panel havingperipheral edge; an access opening through said panel peripheral edge; aremovable access closure in said peripheral edge for covering saidaccess opening; and actuator means on said second securing means forreleasing said cover member from said end panel, said actuator meansbeing accessible through said access opening when said access closure isremoved from said peripheral edge whereby said cover member may readilybe removed for access to said first securing means.
 2. The system asdefined in claim 1 and further including channels formed in said panelmembers, said channels being adapted to receive wiring therein betweensaid cover and said panel; and wire access means formed in saiddecorative trim.
 3. The system of claim 2 in which said wire accessmeans comprises said access opening.
 4. The system as defined in claim 1and further including leveling means on saId panels, said leveling meansextending from the bottom surface thereof adjacent said front and backsurfaces.
 5. The system as defined in claim 4 wherein said levelingmeans include glide members extendible and retractable from said panelat said bottom surface; a stud member fixed to said glide memberextending into said panel; and a nut threaded on said stud, said nutbeing captively held in said panel and rotatable therein to therebyextend and retract said stud and said glide.
 6. A system as defined inclaim 1 wherein said second releasable securing means comprises a lockmember slideably mounted on said cover and lock-engaging means on saidpanel adapted to engage with said lock member; said lock membercomprising a bar slideably mounted in said cover, a plurality of tabmembers having engaging means thereon extending outwardly from said bar,and said lock engaging means comprising a plurality of tab-receivingslots formed in said panel adapted to lockingly engage with saidengaging means on said tab members; said engaging means on each said tabmember comprises a barb on said tab defining first and second shoulderson either side thereof, respectively, said first shoulder beingpositioned farther from said bar than said second shoulder; means onsaid tab for securing said bias means thereto; means on said cover forsecuring said bias means to said cover on either side of said tabwhereby said tab will be locked in said slot either by said firstshoulder or said second shoulder and said bar can be used with either apanel having no upholstery wrapped around its edges or a panel havingupholstery simply by connecting said bias means to said cover on anappropriate side of said tab.
 7. The system as defined in claim 1comprising: decorative trim positioned about at least the top and sideedge portions of said panel peripheral edge; said access closurecomprising a portion of said decorative trim.
 8. A system for supportingone or a number of standardized furniture components as desks, tops,cabinets or the like comprising: a supported member; end panel membersadapted to support said supported member; first securing means in saidend panels and said supported member for releasably securing sametogether; cover members for said end panels; second securing means insaid cover members and said end panels for releasably securing saidcover to said panel; and said end panel including an inner wall and anouter wall section, said inner wall having a generally flat, planarsurface, said outer wall having flat planar peripheral edge portions andan outwardly formed central portion, said outer peripheral portionsbeing secured to said inner wall and said central portions extendingoutwardly from said inner wall to thereby provide a rigid panelstructure.
 9. The system as defined in claim 8 and further including anouter peripheral edge extending outwardly from said inner wall sectionparallel to said central portion of said outer wall section, saidcentral portion, said outer peripheral edge and said flat planarperipheral portions of said outer wall forming a wire-receiving channelin said end panel.
 10. The system as defined in claim 9 wherein saidsecond securing means comprises a lock member slideably mounted in saidcover and lock-engaging means on said outer wall adapted to engage withsaid lock member; said lock member comprises a bar slideably mounted insaid cover, a plurality of tab members having engaging means formedthereon extending outwardly from said bar, and wherein saidlock-engaging means includes a plurality of tab receiving slots formedin said outwardly extending central portion of said outer wall; biasingmeans for said lock member, said biasing means urging said tab memberstoward locked position with respect to said tab-receiving slots in saidpanel; said engaging means on each said tab member comprises a barb onsaid tab defining first and second shoulders on either side thereofrespectively, said first shoulder being positioned farther from saidbarb than said second shoulder; means on said tab for securing said biasmeans thereto; means on said cover for securing said bias means to saidcover on either side of said tab whereby said tab will be locked in saidslot either by said first shoulder or said second shoulder and said barbcan be used with either a panel having no fabric wrapped around itsedges or a panel having fabric simply by connecting said bias means tosaid cover on an appropriate side of said tab.